Ralphine Caldwell, Executive Director

Ralphine Caldwell is the first Executive Director of the new Charlotte office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). LISC is one of the country's largest CDFI social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. Ralphine oversees LISC Charlotte efforts to expand affordable housing and implement comprehensive community development programs in the Metro Charlotte Area.  

LISC Charlotte was selected to hold and manage the Charlotte Housing Opportunity Investment Fund (CHOIF).  Ralphine oversees the team that manages this $53M private sector fund raised by local foundations, lenders, energy and health systems, to expand affordable housing in Charlotte. In less than a year, the CHOIF has recommended over $14.6M in funding resulting in 611 units of affordable housing.

Ralphine has more than 25 years of experience in mortgage, real estate lending and community development experience.  

Prior to joining LISC Charlotte, Ralphine was Senior Vice President of Programs for local CDFI, Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership, Inc (CMHP). There, she led strategies regarding neighborhood revitalization, fund development and community outreach and managed a team focused on homeownership counseling and education, financial self-sufficiency for families, consumer engagement and affordable housing lending.

A Laurens County, S.C., native, Ralphine earned her bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. Ralphine volunteers her time and expertise to national and local initiatives, including U.S. Bank’s national Community Advisory Committee. She is member of Women’s Impact Fund. In addition, she is a former member of Neighborworks® America Homeownership Advisory Council, Housing Partnership Network Boston Homeownership Advisory Committee and Fifth Third Bank Community Advisory Forum.

She received the 2012 Charlotte Business Journal’s Women in Business Award for her exemplary work during her tenure at CMHP.